You know it's a loaded starting frontcourt when Oklahoma City Thunder starter Serge Ibaka is relegated to bench duty in international competition, though Ibaka did have 10 points and eight rebounds in this one.

Marc Gasol wouldn't relent coming out of the gates, helping the Spaniards build a 44-34 halftime lead, per NBA.com's John Schuhmann:

Versatile big man Joffrey Lauvergne, who led France with 19 points in their first 2014 FIBA win over Serbia, needed a big game for the French to have any chance. However, the 22-year-old came up rather small against the Gasols with eight points, five rebounds and three fouls. San Antonio Spurs standout Boris Diaw also disappointed for France, shooting just 1-of-6 from the field and offsetting three assists with three turnovers.

Nicolas Batum of Portland Trail Blazers fame matched the French's best with 11 points, though it came on just 5-of-15 shooting. Erik Gundersen of The Columbian noted how Batum wasn't making an impact in other areas of the game either:

A strong all-around team gives Spain some serious teeth as it prepares for the final group matchup with Serbia, where it hopes to go a perfect 5-0 and position itself for a run at the tournament title.

The U.S. will likely be Spain's biggest competition moving forward. Chris Dempsey of The Denver Post hinted at the Americans' prowess after they crushed the Dominican Republic 106-71 on Wednesday:

Watching the US destroy subpar teams in the FIBA World Cup has been amusing.

Who will win the 2014 FIBA World Cup?

SpainUSAOther (comment below)Submit Votevote to see results

Who will win the 2014 FIBA World Cup?

Spain

40.4%

USA

57.1%

Other (comment below)

2.5%

Total votes: 827

Given that Spain won the FIBA World Cup in 2006 and the USA won in 2010, something is bound to give if and when they meet in the gold-medal game. They didn't face off on either of those prior occasions, but they have the look of being the two teams to beat at the moment—with plentiful NBA star power.

France still has a great chance to get into the round of 16 as long as it can take care of business against Iran, which has gone just 1-3 in Group A. The two losses are disappointing, yet it may be good for France to have a chip on its shoulder ahead of the next FIBA World Cup phase.